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Planning your dream trip to Italy? This 9 days in Italy itinerary covers the country’s most unforgettable destinations, from the ancient wonders of Rome to the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the romantic canals of Venice. You’ll even explore the colorful islands of Murano and Burano, making this the perfect guide for experiencing Italy’s history, beauty, and charm in just over a week.
9 days in Italy Itinerary (jump to section!)
- Days 1-2: Rome
- Days 3-4: Positano
- Bonus Stop: San Benedetto del Tronto
- Days 5-7: Tuscany
- Days 8-9: Venezia
Day 1-2: Rome
Start your trip in the capital city of Rome, where you can explore some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This will be the best first day for your 9 days in Italy! Spend your first day exploring the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, before taking in the view from the top of the Spanish Steps. On your second day, visit Vatican City, where you can marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica and the beauty of the Sistine Chapel. Finally, wrap up your time in Rome with a stroll through the charming Trastevere neighborhood, where you can enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine.
Day 3-4: Positano
Next, head to the stunning Amalfi Coast for a taste of la dolce vita. Rent a car and drive to the charming town of Positano, where you can spend a day or two soaking up the sun on the beach and savoring the delicious local cuisine.
Visiting Positano feels like stepping into a postcard. It is definitely worth a few days of your 9 days in Italy! This cliffside village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a maze of steep, narrow streets lined with pastel-colored houses, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and tiny boutiques. The views are breathtaking from every angle, whether you’re sipping espresso at a café, lounging on the pebbled Spiaggia Grande beach, or taking a boat ride along the coast. The pace is relaxed, the air smells faintly of lemon, and the sunsets paint the whole town in golden light. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
Positano gallery
San Benedetto gallery
**Bonus stop: San Benedetto del Tronto is a picturesque fishing village that is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Although it is out of the way on the other side of the country, (but was on our route because we were going to visit the city where my dad’s family came from) maybe you will get lucky like we did and stay at an Airbnb where they just happened to be doing olive harvesting!
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Day 5-7: Tuscany
From the coast, head inland to the rolling hills of Tuscany. You will spend 3 of your 9 days in Italy here! Spend a day exploring the charming town of Pienza, known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and delicious pecorino cheese. On day 7, head to Siena, another beautiful Tuscan city famous for its medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Be sure you stop by a vineyard and do a wine tasting! Cannot recommend Agricola Tamburini enough. They were a true spontaneous highlight of our trip!
Pienza Gallery
Siena Gallery
Agricola Tamburini Vineyard
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Day 8: Murano and Burano
Onto to day 8 of your 9 days in Italy, head to Venice and take a ferry to the colorful islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is known for its world-famous glassblowing, while Burano is famous for its colorful houses and intricate lacework.
Murano is just a quick boat ride from Venice and the historic heart of Italy’s glassmaking craft. You can watch artisans turn molten glass into everything from delicate jewelry to elaborate chandeliers, then browse the many shops lining its canals. There’s charm in its quiet streets and the fascinating Glass Museum- but fair warning, you might want to visit Murano before heading to Burano. Not because it isn’t beautiful, but because next to Burano’s explosion of color, Murano can quite literally pale in comparison.
Visiting Burano is like walking through a painter’s palette. This small island in the Venetian Lagoon is famous for its brightly colored houses, each painted in vivid shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue that reflect beautifully in the surrounding canals. It’s a quiet, walkable place where you can wander past lace shops, watch locals chatting outside their homes, and enjoy fresh seafood at a waterside trattoria. The atmosphere is cheerful and unhurried, making it a perfect day trip from Venice when you want charm and color without the crowds.
Murano Gallery
Burano Gallery
Day 9: Venice
Wrap up your Italian adventure in the romantic city of Venice. Venice is a city like no other, built on a network of canals instead of roads, where boats and gondolas glide past centuries-old palaces. Wandering through its narrow alleys feels like getting lost in a living work of art, with every turn revealing hidden courtyards, tiny bridges, and bustling piazzas.
You can spend the morning marveling at St. Mark’s Basilica, the afternoon exploring the Rialto Market, and the evening watching the sun set over the Grand Canal. It’s equal parts romantic, chaotic, and magical- just be ready to share it with a few thousand fellow admirers (and maybe a pigeon or two). Take a gondola ride down the winding canals, visit the stunning Venetian glass factories, and savor one last Italian meal before heading home.
While public transportation is great in Europe, renting a car was the way to go for this itinerary, allowing us to make stops along the way and explore smaller towns and villages at our own pace. With this 9-day itinerary, you’ll get a taste of everything that Italy has to offer, from the history and culture of Rome to the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany, and the romantic charm of Venice and its neighboring islands. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
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The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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